Texas Tech University's Matador Institute of Leadership Engagement (MILE) Program is now accepting applications for the program's third cohort. Eligible undergraduate students from any of the academic departments within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are invited to apply.

MILE is a three-semester leadership and professional development program that exposes students to key issues affecting local, state, and national agriculture while developing advanced personal and professional skills.

The program uses industry engagement, networking, leadership curriculum, and travel experiences to give students a competitive edge when entering the agricultural workforce. During each cohort, the MILE experience includes both on- and off-campus workshops and tours as well as trips to Austin and Washington, D.C. to meet with government representatives about agriculture and public policy.

Eligible CASNR students must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours on the Lubbock campus through the cohort's three semesters beginning January 2022 and ending May 2023. A maximum of 14 students will be accepted as members of the MILE's third cohort.  

MILE Program Director, Lindsay Kennedy, said MILE provides a unique experience for CASNR students of all backgrounds interested in developing their leadership and professional skills.  

“The goal of the MILE Program is to develop knowledgeable, trained young leaders from CASNR who are equipped with the skills necessary to be effective problem solvers and difference makers in the agriculture industry,” Kennedy said. “I believe the graduates from our first two MILE cohorts are in the process of doing just that, and I look forward to what we can accomplish with the third cohort.”

CASNR students interested in being considered for the MILE Program's third cohort can apply online here. Eligible applicants will submit the online application, a resume, cover letter, and two recommendation forms by 5 p.m. on October 29, 2021. Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered. Following the application process, invited candidates will participate in a face-to-face interview with members of the MILE Advisory Committee.

CONTACT: Lindsay Kennedy, Assistant Professor of Practice and Matador Institute of Leadership Engagement Program Director, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8240 or Lindsay.Kennedy@ttu.edu 

0921NM21 / Editor's Note: For more information about the CASNR MILE Program, click visit www.casnr.ttu.edu/mile.